Dance Company Artistic Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the vibrant world of dance, the role of an artistic director in a dance company is pivotal.

Artistry evolves, and with each performance, the demand for dynamic leaders who can choreograph, inspire, and safeguard our cultural expression heightens.

But let’s take a step back: What’s truly expected from a Dance Company Artistic Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the artistry of dance management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Dance Company Artistic Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s leap right into it.

Dance Company Artistic Director Duties and Responsibilities

Artistic Directors for Dance Companies are responsible for the creative vision and leadership of the company, often choreographing productions, selecting performances and performers, and overseeing rehearsals to ensure the highest quality performances.

Their core duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the company
• Choreographing routines and selecting appropriate music for performances
• Leading auditions and selecting dancers for various roles and performances
• Overseeing and directing rehearsals to ensure all dancers understand their roles and can execute them effectively
• Collaborating with costume designers, lighting technicians, and set designers to ensure all elements align with the performance vision
• Securing funding for the company through grants, donor relationships, and fundraising events
• Engaging in community outreach to increase visibility and engagement with the company
• Maintaining and promoting high standards of professional conduct within the company
• Planning and managing the annual performance calendar and budget

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Artistic Director to lead and inspire our dance company.

The Artistic Director will be responsible for creating, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the company.

The role involves choreographing performances, recruiting and training dancers, and promoting the company’s mission in the wider community.

Our ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, extensive dance knowledge, and has a proven track record of artistic creativity and vision.

 

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the artistic vision and direction of the dance company
• Choreograph unique and engaging dance performances
• Recruit, train, and coach dancers and other artistic staff
• Develop and manage the company’s rehearsal schedule
• Collaborate with other departments to design sets, select music, and create costumes
• Represent the dance company in public settings and establish a positive image
• Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and funding
• Work closely with the executive team to develop budgets and strategic plans

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Artistic Director, Choreographer, or similar role in a dance company
• Strong knowledge of various dance styles and performance techniques
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities
• Experience in planning and delivering dance performances
• Strong communication and networking skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate
• A bachelor’s degree in Dance, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Artistic Director
• Work Environment: This role includes both office work and working in a dance studio. Some travel may be required for performances, auditions, or networking events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Board of Directors.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: The salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio of past work, and a cover letter outlining your artistic vision to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dance Company Artistic Director Do?

A Dance Company Artistic Director typically oversees the creative vision and artistic quality of a dance company.

This role can be found in a variety of settings, from small local companies to larger nationally recognized organizations.

They are responsible for choreographing dance performances and selecting the pieces to be performed each season.

This includes choosing the music, designing the sets and costumes, and even selecting the lighting design.

Artistic Directors work closely with dancers, providing instruction, advice, and feedback to enhance their performance.

They might conduct rehearsals, auditions and oversee the training of the dancers to ensure their proficiency and fitness levels.

In addition to creative duties, the Artistic Director often has administrative responsibilities.

They may be involved in fundraising activities, public relations, and marketing efforts to promote the company’s performances and educational programs.

Artistic Directors also collaborate with other staff members such as producers, stage managers, and technical crew to coordinate the logistics of the dance productions.

Their ultimate goal is to create inspiring, engaging, and high-quality dance performances that captivate audiences and promote the love and appreciation of dance.

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Qualifications and Skills

The Dance Company Artistic Director should possess a unique blend of artistic vision, leadership skills, and administrative abilities to steer the company’s creative direction and operations, including:

• Outstanding choreographic abilities to create original dances that entertain, challenge, and inspire both the dancers and the audience.
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee the work of choreographers, dancers, and other staff members, as well as to foster a positive and inclusive environment.
• In-depth understanding of various dance styles, techniques, and trends to ensure the company’s repertoire is varied, relevant, and dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with dancers, choreographers, designers, and other stakeholders, as well as to present the company’s vision and productions to the public, funders, and the media.
• Strategic planning and decision-making abilities to develop and implement the company’s artistic and business plans, including programming, budgeting, and fundraising.
• Experience in casting and coaching dancers, identifying their strengths and areas for improvement, and helping them reach their full potential.
• Ability to interpret and express complex themes and emotions through dance, using creativity, sensitivity, and a keen artistic eye.
• Knowledge of production aspects, such as lighting, costume, and music selection, to ensure the overall aesthetic of the performance aligns with the choreography and artistic vision.

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the position of Artistic Director in a dance company are usually expected to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience.

This could be in the form of performing as a professional dancer, choreographing for performances, or teaching dance.

Candidates may also gain valuable experience through assisting in dance projects, working as a dance instructor, or participating in dance residencies and workshops.

These provide practical exposure and help in understanding the intricacies of managing a dance company.

Candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience often have well-honed skills in choreography, performance management, and artistic direction.

They are usually required to have a deep understanding of various dance forms and should be able to conceptualize and execute innovative performances.

Those with over 10 years of experience are typically suitable for senior-level roles, as they have rich experience in managing large-scale productions, leading teams, and developing the artistic vision of the company.

They are often expected to have strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a proven track record of success in the field of dance.

Additionally, they should be able to demonstrate a successful history of fund-raising, budget management, and a strong network within the dance community.

Furthermore, experience in dance administration, including grant writing, marketing, and public relations, is often considered a plus for candidates aspiring to become an Artistic Director in a dance company.

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Education and Training Requirements

An Artistic Director for a Dance Company typically holds a bachelor’s degree in dance, performing arts, or a related field.

It is also common for professionals in this role to hold a master’s degree in fine arts or a related discipline.

In addition to formal education, artistic directors must have extensive experience in the field of dance, often as a dancer or choreographer.

They need to have a deep understanding of different dance styles, choreography, and production.

They also need strong leadership and communication skills, as they will be responsible for directing and coordinating various artistic, administrative, and technical aspects of the dance company.

This can be gained through experience in managerial roles within the performing arts industry.

Many artistic directors continue their education through professional development workshops and seminars to stay current on the latest trends in dance and performing arts management.

Artistic directors in dance companies can also benefit from certification programs in performing arts management, which can reinforce their knowledge and skills in areas such as budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Overall, a combination of formal education, dance experience, and leadership experience is required for this role.

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Dance Company Artistic Director is $70,836 (USD) per year.

This can fluctuate based on years of experience, the prestige of the dance company, and the region in which the company is located.

 

Dance Company Artistic Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dance Company Artistic Director need?

A Dance Company Artistic Director needs to have a deep understanding and knowledge of dance and choreography, as well as strong leadership skills to guide and manage dancers and other staff.

They should be creative and visionary, capable of developing unique dance productions.

Interpersonal and communication skills are also crucial, as they will often need to liaise with choreographers, dancers, and potential sponsors.

 

Do Dance Company Artistic Directors need a degree?

While there isn’t a specific degree required for this role, many Dance Company Artistic Directors hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field.

These degrees equip them with the technical knowledge of dance and the critical understanding of art and aesthetics necessary for this role.

Prior experience in dance and choreography is often a prerequisite for this position.

 

What should you look for in a Dance Company Artistic Director’s resume?

Look for a strong background in dance, choreography, and possibly directing.

Prior experience in a leadership role is also important.

Look for specific accomplishments such as successful shows they’ve directed or choreographed, awards they’ve won, and the ability to attract funding or sponsorships.

Any connection with notable names in the dance or theatre industry can also be a positive sign.

 

What qualities make a good Dance Company Artistic Director?

A good Dance Company Artistic Director should have a passion for dance and a clear artistic vision.

They should be able to inspire and motivate others, be it dancers, choreographers, or the production team.

Creativity, innovation, and excellent organizational skills are also crucial.

Additionally, they should be skilled in problem-solving and have the ability to make tough decisions, especially when it comes to casting or cutting a piece from a show.

 

Is it challenging to hire Dance Company Artistic Directors?

Hiring a Dance Company Artistic Director can be challenging due to the unique blend of skills required.

They must be both artistically gifted and a good leader.

They also need to have a good network within the dance community and preferably a successful track record.

However, finding someone with all these qualifications and the right fit for your company’s culture and vision is definitely possible with the right search.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve reached the finale.

Today, we’ve given you a backstage tour of the life of a Dance Company Artistic Director.

And guess what?

It’s not just about choreographing moves.

It’s about orchestrating a living piece of art, one dance step at a time.

Armed with our ready-to-use Dance Company Artistic Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take center stage.

But why not take an encore?

Further explore with our job description generator. It’s your encore performance for precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your CV to precision.

Remember:

Every dance move is a part of a grander spectacle.

Let’s create that spectacle. Together.

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